IL Corn TV: Deep Dive into Precision Conservation Management (PCM)
Tara Desmond
May 19, 2025
In this episode, Greg Goodwin sat down with Laura Gentry to discuss the origin and evolution of the Precision Conservation Management (PCM) program.
🌱 Key Highlights:
- PCM launched in 2015 in response to Illinois' Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy with an initial $5.35M NRCS grant.
- The program delivers value through one-on-one conservation specialists and data-driven farm reports (called RAAPs).
- Laura emphasized the irreplaceable role of our specialists—"You just can't AI that stuff."
- Major recent wins include:
- Scaling partnerships with PepsiCo and Walmart.
- Launching a new initiative with the Kentucky Distillers Association.
- Continuous innovation in using farm data to guide sustainable, profitable decisions.
- PCM helps farmers navigate conservation adoption by reducing financial risk, simplifying complex programs, and offering boots-on-the-ground expertise.
Greg's favorite part of this job? Working with a passionate, mission-driven team to solve complex problems that benefit both farmers and the environment.
Watch full episode:

By Lindsay Croke
•
July 17, 2025
“If such language is included in the policy recommendations, it could significantly hamper the work of America’s farmers and raise prices on consumers without providing any additional layer of safety for the American public,” the letter said. “If the pesticides in the original report were to disappear completely, crop

By Tara Desmond
•
July 14, 2025
We recently caught up with Shelby Watson following the announcement of her promotion to Director, The Americas & Allied Industry Programs at USAPEEC. In her expanded role, Shelby is taking on new responsibilities across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.